Croke Park will once again provide the grandest of stages this week as the University of Limerick stands on the brink of an extraordinary double. With both their senior footballers and hurlers contesting the Sigerson and Fitzgibbon Cup finals, UL have a chance to join an elite group of universities that have managed the rare feat of landing both crowns in the same season.
Only UCC (1988 and 2019) and UCD (1977) have previously completed the double, but UL will look to etch their name into that exclusive list when they take to the field across two blockbuster nights. The hurlers are bidding to defend the Fitzgibbon Cup they won last year and claim a tenth title overall, while the footballers are chasing a maiden Sigerson success following their league success last November.
UL’s Sigerson Cup final appearance was earned in unforgettable fashion following a pulsating semi-final victory over Queen’s University last week. After a chaotic build-up that saw the game postponed, relocated and eventually played on an artificial surface in Abbotstown amid driving rain, both sides somehow produced a contest of remarkable quality and intensity.
The drama peaked deep into stoppage time when Cathal Brosnan struck a sensational goal to force extra time, moments after UL had trailed by five points and looked dead and buried. That strike breathed life into David Power’s side, who then showed superior fitness, composure and bench impact in extra time.
Led by a superb 1-8 from Cian McHale and vital contributions from substitutes late on, UL finished strongly to book a place in the Sigerson final, where they will face UCC with the hope of getting over the line.
UL’s Fitzgibbon Cup journey has been no less dramatic, with their semi-final against the University of Galway going down to the final moments under lights on Maguire’s pitch. Despite entering as favourites and enjoying long spells of control, UL were pushed to the brink by a Galway side that refused to go away and threatened to force extra time with a late surge.
The defining moments came in injury time as Offaly star Adam Screeney fired over a stunning point from near the sideline before Darragh McCarthy coolly added an insurance point free. Even then, UL had to survive a frantic goalmouth scramble involving almost every player on the field before finally sealing a nerve-shredding two-point win.
Screeney’s brilliance, McCarthy’s accuracy and a resolute defensive stand ensured UL remain on course to defend their title in what will be an all-Limerick final against Mary Immaculate College.
All roads now lead to Croke Park for what promises to be a memorable week for UL GAA. The Sigerson Cup final throws in on Wednesday night at 7.35, while the Fitzgibbon Cup final follows on Friday night at 7.35. Both games will be broadcast live on TG4 as UL chase history on the biggest stage of all.